Bacteria test
The bacteria test is a simple to use test to check for the presence of coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria are a commonly used
bacterial indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water. They are defined as rod-shaped Gram-negative non-spore forming and motile
bacteria which can ferment lactose with the production of acid and gas when incubated at 35–37°C.

Typical genera include**:

Citrobacter - these bacteria are rarely the source of illness except for infections of the urinary tract and infant meningitis
and sepsis

Enterobacter - several strains of these bacteria are pathogenic and cause opportunistic infections. The urinary and respiractory
tracts are the most common sites of infection

Hafnia - found in the gastrointestinal tract and not normally pathogenic but may cause disease in immunocompromised individuals

Klebsiella - routinely found in the human nose, mouth and gastrointestinal tract as normal flora. can lead to a wide range of
disease states, notably pneumonia, urinary tract infections, septicemia, meningitis, diarrhea, and soft tissue infections.

Fecal coliform - generally originate in the intestines of warm blooded animals. In general, increased levels of fecal coliforms
provide a warning of failure in water treatment

Escherichia - a number of these bacteria are pathogenic and known as the most common cause of urinary tract infections and
significant source of gastrointestinal diseases amongst others

**source: wikipedia

Water Hardness Iron
Hard water may not be harmful. However, if the hardness of the water is high, it will usually have iron in it. Hard water can affect
the skin and taste of the water especially if iron is present. Other than leaving stains in sink, fixtures and cause scale buildup in
plumbing, sometimes presence of iron may suggest presence of iron bacteria. The bacteria are not known to cause
disease, but can cause undesirable stains, tastes and odors; affect the amount of water the well will produce; and create conditions
where other undesirable organisms may grow.

pH and Alkalinity
pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0-14. The lower the
pH the more acid the solution is and the higher the pH the more alkaline (or base) the solution is. When a solution is neither acid or
alkaline, it has a pH 7 which is neutral

Chlorine
Chlorine dissolves when mixed with water. It combines with inorganic material in water to form chloride salts and combines with
organic material in water to form chlorinated organic chemicals. Effects of chlorine on human health and the environment depend on how
much chlorine is present and the length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or condition of the
environment when exposure occurs. Laboratory studies show that repeat exposure to chlorine in air can adversely affect the immune
system, the blood, the heart, and the respiratory system of animals.

**source: US EPA August 1994 EPA 749-F-94-010

Metals
The metal test contained in this kit tests for 8 metals - cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel and zinc. Generally,
these are inorganic metals and classified as heavy metals. A heavy metal is any metal or metalloid of environmental concern. The term
originated with reference to the harmful effects of cadmium, mercury and lead, all of which are denser than iron. It has since been
applied to any other similarly toxic metal, or metalloid such as arsenic, regardless of density. Commonly encountered heavy metals
are chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, silver, cadmium, antimony, mercury, thallium and lead. Broadly,
long-term exposure to heavy metals can have carcinogenic, central and peripheral nervous system and circulatory effects.

Source: Wikipedia

Images of Contents of Water Test Kit

The above information is provided for general
educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace competent
health care advice received from a knowledgeable healthcare professional.
You are urged to seek healthcare advice for the treatment of any
illness or disease.
Health Canada and the FDA (USA) have not evaluated these
statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease.